Theatre

1 1972: The Future of SexThe Wardrobe Ensemble’s funny, sad show – first seen in 2015 – looks back at the sexual fumblings of the baby boomers. Christine is about to lose her virginity, Penny spouts radicalism on the podium but finds sexual freedom elusive in the bedroom, and while David Bowie offers a different kind of role model, it’s one that is out of reach to the likes of Brian. Early disappointments in the bedroom turn to more corrosive regret in middle age in a show that is both satirical and tragic.Almeida theatre, N1, 23 July

2 Nina: A Story About Me and Nina SimoneCreated by Josette Bushell-Mingo, this deeply personal and searingly angry one-woman show takes the life and songs of singer and activist Nina Simone and asks pressing questions about why change is happening so slowly and whether it is possible to use your voice to start a revolution. Bushell-Mingo is certainly using hers and this challenging piece of theatre quite rightly doesn’t shirk the big questions, including how we got to a point where we have to say that Black Lives Matter.Young Vic, SE1, 19-29 July; touring to 13 August

4 HamletRobert Icke’s modern-dress staging of Hamlet stars Andrew Scott as a wonderfully moving and sweet prince, full of quiet despair. Icke includes Bob Dylan and Laura Marling on the soundtrack but this isn’t simply a cool, contemporary reading of the play; rather, it is an evening of unhurried substance. Snap up tickets up while you can because Scott once again proves he is one of the most mesmerising stage actors we have.The Harold Pinter theatre, SW1, to 2 September

5 RotterdamJon Brittain’s deceptively light comedy follows Alice and her partner Fiona, who have been in a relationship for years. But just when Alice has plucked up the courage to come out to her parents, Fiona decides that she would like to be called Adrian. Brittain makes comic capital out of the ensuing confusions, but this is a serious examination of gay and transgender experiences.Arts theatre, WC2, 15 July

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